FF Leader demands recall of Dáil over threat to absolute privilege

29th May 2015

The Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has demanded that the Dáil be recalled next week to reassert the basic principle that Dáil speeches and the reporting of them are protected by absolute privilege, by Article 15 of the Constitution.

Fianna Fáil has submitted a formal request to the Ceann Comhairle asking that the Dáil be recalled next week in light of grave developments involving the silencing of media outlets in relation to Dáil business.

“It is unprecedented that a matter of serious public interest raised in the Dáil cannot be aired or reported on by the national broadcaster and other media outlets,” the Fianna Fáil Leader said.

“This sets an extremely dangerous precedent. The Constitution gives a clear role to the Dáil in terms of freedom of speech and privilege. The silencing of the national broadcaster and other media outlets in relation to Dáil business is a grave development and it must be addressed without delay.

“The basic principle of Dáil privilege goes to the core of our democratic process. The undermining of this principle is very serious for our democracy. I believe that the Dáil must be recalled next week to reassert the fundamental principle of absolute privilege.”

Hey Micheal Martin, whats this rubbish about you defending 180 Garda statements that didn't hold up in Court.. What strokes you trying to pulling in saving this broken institutions face.
A) Disband it, its too steeped in civil war politics.
B) Establish a new force with a separate investigative wing.
C) As the Police are a seperate institution to politics then make the new Commissioner an electable position to ensure public confidence instead of 'political' confidence (other countries do it)